What to Book in Advance for Tokyo
Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Kay
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission on any purchases through those links at zero additional cost to you. Whatever I make goes to keeping this website running and I am forever grateful for the support. See my Privacy Policy for more information.
As Japan’s most populated city, boasting over 14 million residents, it’s no surprise that when it comes to experiencing Tokyo’s highlights, you need to book many attractions and restaurants in advance.
Although I used to reside in Tokyo, I now live in Osaka and make sure to never go to these places without making a reservation beforehand. After all, I’m spending good money traveling there, and the last thing I want to be is disappointed.
So in this article, I’ll share attractions and restaurants in Tokyo that need to be booked in advance.
What to Reserve Before Your Tokyo Trip
Shibuya Sky
If you’re looking for a stunning view of not only Shibuya Scramble but also all of Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is the place for you.
There’s a reason why Shibuya Sky is incredibly popular with both tourists and locals alike. It’s the only building in the city with a 360-degree open-air observation deck and “cloud hammocks” where you can lie down and enjoy the view.
This is one of the few observation points from where you can see both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji in the distance, too.
Visitors are especially drawn to the sunset tickets, where you can see Tokyo’s daytime landscape transform into night. It makes truly unreal photos, which is why these tickets sell out fast. I went during the daytime, though, and I liked being able to spot famous landmarks throughout the city.
If you want tickets for right before sunset and onward, you need to book your tickets two weeks in advance. If nothing is available, keep checking because sometimes there are cancellations.
🎫 Book Shibuya Sky tickets here
Tokyo Skytree
Another great option to see Tokyo’s cityscape is Tokyo Skytree. This is located in Oshiage, which is the northeast part of the city, meaning you’ll have a different view compared to Shibuya Sky (located in western Tokyo).
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan and is almost twice the size of Tokyo Tower.
Similar to Shibuya Sky, tickets for around sunset for the highest viewing point, the Galleria Deck, sell out quickly, so I recommend making a reservation at least three weeks in advance.
🎫 Book Tokyo Skytree tickets here
teamLab Experiences
teamLab is an international art collective that has several museums in Japan. The most popular are teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless, which are both located in Tokyo.
These museums only accept a certain number of visitors every day, and reservations must be made in advance. Weekends and morning time slots tend to sell out very quickly, so I recommend making a reservation at least a month in advance.
Imperial Palace
If you’re interested in touring the grounds where the emperor of Japan and his family live, which have stunning nature in the heart of Tokyo, there are plenty of paid tours available.
However, the Imperial Household Agency holds free tours, which is great for budget-conscious travelers. You can try heading straight there on the days tours are available and seeing if any spots are open (make sure to bring ID!), or you can apply in advance online.
You can apply starting at 5:00 a.m. (JST) on the first day of the month before your tour.
Ghibli Museum
Located in Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum is a whimsical little place that feels like you’ve stepped into the world of Hayao Miyazaki.
I’ve been several times and would go with every Tokyo visit if it weren’t so popular!
Tickets are sold a month in advance on the 10th, and trust me when I say they are swept up fast. (I was very lucky to live in Tokyo before it became a tourist hotspot!)
Street Go-Karting
I’m going to admit that Go-Karting through Tokyo’s streets is something I have never done, nor do I have any interest in it, but I know friends and family who want to do this. So, I am including information about it here.
There are plenty of options and time slots for this activity, but if you want to do it at night, especially in Shibuya, make sure you book about a month in advance.
The Making of Harry Potter
This is another place I haven’t visited because of personal reasons regarding the creator, but I have family and friends who absolutely adore Harry Potter (and are good at separating things) who said this was a highlight for them.
The Making of Harry Potter gives you a behind-the-scenes experience where you can spot famous sets up close, look at creature effects, and try hands-on activities like riding on a broomstick or casting spells. You can easily spend half a day here but there are limited time slots available, which is why you should try to make a reservation as soon as possible. You also cannot purchase tickets once there.
🎫 Book the Making of Harry Potter
Pokemon Cafe
The Pokémon Café is a highly sought-after dining experience in both Tokyo and Osaka. Sometimes you can snag an on-the-day reservation if you wait at the cafe for any cancellations, but if you don’t want to waste your time, I recommend booking in advance.
I share how you can successfully make a reservation in this article.
Michelin Restaurants
Tokyo is home to many one-to three-star Michelin dining experiences. Most of these restaurants require a reservation, and some are so popular that you have to secure a spot months in advance.
So the sooner you book, the better.
My personal favorite is Florilege, which is a 2-star Michelin that accepts reservations a month in advance. It’s honestly one of the most memorable meals I have had in my life.
Below is a picture of what one of their dishes looks like. (My mouth is salivating just remembering it!)
Accommodation
It goes without saying that hotels, especially nice ones in Tokyo, are booked very quickly. It’s starting to become a problem with locals because Japanese businessmen (like my husband) are now having difficulty finding an affordable place to stay when they visit the city for work!
If you’re still deciding where to stay, here are some great options that are both in great locations and are still gentle on the wallet.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
A newer Shinjuku stay (opened in 2015) that’s an easy 8-minute walk from the station. Even the smallest rooms at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku run a bit larger than typical Tokyo business hotels. Bathrooms are notably roomy with the toilet and shower separated (a must for me, and once you visit Japan, you’ll find out why).
Hotel Pasela Living
This hotel by Pasela (the “classy” karaoke brand) is just a 2-minute walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station. Think apartment-style comfort, with a kitchenette for quick kid meals, an in-room washer/dryer, and a spacious bathroom as well as plus city views.
The fun factor is real: in-room karaoke and board games for cozy nights in, and adults can enjoy all-you-can-drink wine on the first floor.
FLOWER TERRACE Higashi Shinjuku
A budget-friendly, apartment-style pick that’s 14 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station and 3 minutes from Higashi-Shinjuku. You can technically fit four people in one room, which is handy for saving money, but privacy might be limited.
Despite the “girly” name, the rooms at FLOWER TERRACE are straightforward: a kitchenette for quick meals, a spacious bathroom, and an in-room laundry machine. Simple, practical, and easy on the wallet.
OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
A newer Hoshino property near Otsuka Station that we stayed at last November and loved, not only because of its great service and spectacular view.
Bathrooms at OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda are spacious (a must for us). Getting there is a bit less convenient: about 16 minutes from Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line, then an 8-minute walk. However, the trade-off is a calmer base than Shinjuku’s chaos.
I recommend skipping the King room because it was too small for our luggage. Instead, go for the Deluxe.